The year is 1897 and Harmony is filled with dirt roads, wagons and carriages. Everyone has known everyone else for years, but there are some residents that won't exist in this alternate reality.
Julian Crane is a widower, having lost his wife Ivy, of one year, during childbirth. She gave him a son, Foxworth Crane, who he is raising on his own. Ethan does not exist. Julian is in love with Dr. Eve Johnson, but she does not return his feelings, at first.
Rachel Crane is the woman that Julian thinks is his mother. She did not die and is married to Alistair Crane. Alistair is not as bastardly as he normally is, but that is only because he is happy. All of that will change, eventually. Sheridan does not exist.
Alistair Crane, Julian's father, had a one night stand with Rachel's younger sister, Katherine, thus inpregnating her. Katherine, shamed that she had no husband, and that the father of her child was her sister's husband, gave Julian to her sister and Alistair to raise. Then, she shamed her sister and others, by opening up 'Ms. Kitty Cat's Saloon'. It is rumored that she is more than a business woman, but a Madam as well.
Dr. Eve Johnson is the lone doctor in Harmony and has been for the past year. But, she did not come back to Harmony after going to medical school in Salem, just to renew old acquaintances. Her mother, Tanya Lincoln Johnson, a maid for the Crane's was murdered two years ago. Eve is haunted by a letter her mother sent to her, claiming that her fortune was going to improve, because of a 'secret' she had discovered in the Crane family. Eve is also recovering from heartbreak. Her beau, T.C. Russell, up and ran off with another woman in the community, Jessica McKechnie, wife of Irish business owner, Duncan McKechnie. Since then, Eve and Duncan have become close and she has also been a second mother to his little girl, Bonnie.
NOTE: People that are not familiar with the ATWT characters Duncan McKechnie, Bonnie McKechnie and Jessica Griffin, got to Castillo is the wife of business man Cruz Castillo. She would be more happily married, if she did not have a 'Liz like' problem in her life. Her cousin, Santana Andrade, knows a terrible secret, that if known to Cruz and others, would probably destroy her cousin's marriage and her life. And Santana has made it very clear to Pilar, that she wants Cruz for herself...
Cruz Castillo is part owner in 'McKechnie-Castillo Timber', is suspicious of Crane land out West, that Alistair is selling to townspeople cheap. Alistair claims that there is gold on it and people have been leaving in droves, headed West, where the land is, to stake their gold claim.
Duncan McKechnie is the new man in Eve's life and Bonnie's father. He is annoyed at every turn by Julian Crane, who has made no secret of his affection for Eve. He plans to ask Eve to marry him.
Everyone is young, about the same age as they would be in Hidden Passions.
And now, the story...
Eve Johnson smiled at two year old Fox Crane. He seemed perfectly healthy and she was glad that someone had finally brought him to her office for a check-up.
That someone turned out to be his grandmother, Rachel Crane.
Rachel looked around the meager office, wondering if there was more she could do for Eve. Sure, she was getting along alright, and had a small home on the outskirts of town, a buggy and a thriving practice. Maybe Eve didn't need anything, maybe it was guilt making her think this way. Guilt over what she suspected might have been done to Eve's mother...
Rachel was startled, when Eve handed Fox to her. She smiled to cover up her surprise.
"Are you alright?" Eve asked, as she locked her cabinets. She didn't mind Rachel Crane. Her mother had liked her and whatever was done, probably lay at the hands of Alistair and Julian. Rachel had no more control over what men in this world did, than she herself.
"I'm fine." Rachel said, half smiling down at the now quiet Fox. "I was just thinking about how big he's getting."
Eve smiled down at Fox again.
"Yes, he is." was all she said, busying herself with the cabinets again. Rachel walked away from Fox and over to Eve.
"Why do I get the feeling you're surprised?"
Eve now frowned.
"Surprised?"
"Surprised that my grandson looks so well? Julian is not that bad of a father."
Eve cut her eyes away briefly, as she finally got a handle on her cabinet lock. That thing did stick! She then looked at Rachel again.
"I never said your son was a bad father, Mrs. Crane."
"Rachel, please. Eve, I've known you all of your life."
Eve just nodded and moved towards a table where she kept instruments. She began to put them in a black bag. Rachel eyed Fox, who was sitting still, so she joined Eve by the bag.
"Eve, ever since you came back to Harmony...well, I know that what happened to your mother was a shock. I mean no one knew she was that unhappy."
Eve turned to look at her. She really didn't want to talk about this with her.
"My mother was not unhappy." was all she said.
"Yes, well, she did hang herself...in her own home..."
Eve dropped the instruments with a thud and faced Rachel.
"My mother did not kill herself." was all she was willing to say. She couldn't say anything about that letter, and for the first time, Eve began to wonder just what Rachel Crane knew about her mother's obvious(at least to her) murder and the 'secret'?
Rachel decided to back off, although the implication Eve was making, was that Tanya Lincoln Johnson had been murdered. Both Alistair and Julian, had sworn up and down that they had had nothing to do with it. Julian especially, since he had no idea why his mother would think that he did something like that anyway. And Alistair could be ruthless, but she knew her man. He was no murderer.
"Alright," Rachel said, changing the subject completely. "Will you be at the picnic today?"
Eve didn't mind this topic and smiled, looking at her.
"Yes, I'm going with Duncan and Bonnie."
"Oh, the McKechnie family. I have to say Eve, Bonnie and you are good for one another."
"Yes, well she's had a hard time of it."
"Well you both have, as has Duncan." Rachel said, her eyes searching Eve's. "Has Duncan heard from Jessica?"
Eve's expression darkened.
"No and nor I from T.C.. As far as I'm concerned, I never want to lay eyes on him again."
"I can't say that I blame you...well, I'd better get Fox and move on. I have to get ready for the picnic." she said. Rachel turned and picked up Fox. She walked to the door, that was just open a tiny crack...and for good reason.
Eve's back was to the door and she did not see Rachel open it, and a hand pull on Rachel's arm and drag her out, closing the door behind them!
It was Julian. Julian grabbed Fox, and set him in the wagon. He then returned to his mother.
"Mother, I thought you were going to help me with Eve?"
"Honey, I tried..."
"No, you didn't! Look, I don't mean to snap at you here, but that really was a poor showing."
Rachel gave her son an annoyed look.
"Julian, since when did I become the person that helps you find new sweethearts? If you care for Eve, and I know you do, then just speak to her yourself."
Julian sighed!
"You know how she is! She barely looks at me and when she does, she's hostile."
"Julian, you do have a bad reputation...and well, I think people knew that you weren't that faithful to Ivy."
"I would have been if she hadn't glued her legs shut!"
"Julian!"
"Well I'm sorry, Mother! I mean I'm sorry to speak of such things during the light of day! But I was lucky to get a son out of that woman at all! But that's over now. Eve is the woman I want, but she's...well, to be frank, downright ornery."
Rachel looked back towards Eve's office. She then looked at Julian.
"Honey, she's going through a lot. I mean she did not return here under the happiest of circumstances."
"You're referring to her mother hanging herself?"
"Yes and that business with T.C. Russell..."
"He is an odious cur! How he could leave a woman like Eve, is beyond my comprehension. And with Jessica McKechnie at that...not that she wasn't a handsome woman, just a little scrawny for my tastes."
"Yes, well, all I'm saying is that Eve doesn't appear to be open to a relationship with anyone right now...except for Duncan McKechnie."
Julian's eyes widened!
"The Irishman? Oh, well I'm not worried about him. Father suspects that him and Castillo are doing something illegal at that timber mill of theirs. So the law will be coming after him soon."
Rachel gasped!
"Oh my God! Well...what of little Bonnie?"
"Who?"
"Bonnie McKechnie! Duncan's little girl? Eve is quite fond of her you know."
"There's an orphanage in Salem."
"Julian!"
"Well there is! Why are you yelling at me about it? Unless Jessica McKechnie returns, her daughter will go to an orphanage, while her father, and probably Castillo as well, go to prison. Now let's not speak anymore of such unpleasantries. Tell me why you never put in a good word for me, while you were in Eve's office?"
Before Rachel could answer, Eve came out of her office. She stopped short when she saw Rachel, Julian and Fox, over in the wagon.
"Oh...I thought you had left." was all she said.
"Well, I ran into Julian out here." Rachel replied.
Julian tipped his hat to her and grinned!
"Hello, Dr. Johnson. You're looking lovely as usual."
Eve felt her insides burn with anger! He had helped hang her mother! Alistair and him, she just knew it! They had killed her to keep her from revealing whatever this secret was. But, without any real proof, she guessed she would have to be somewhat civil.
"Uh yes, hello, Mr. Crane."
Julian gave his mother a pointed look.
"Why don't you take Fox back home and get him ready for the picnic?"
"Uh, yes, I think I will. Thank you, Dr. Johnson."
Eve nodded, then watched as Rachel walked off with Fox, leaving her alone with Julian. She began to walk towards her own buggy, when Julian moved so that he was in front o her.
"Dr. Johnson, I suppose you heard there is a picnic today?"
"Yes." Eve said, and tried to move around him again. But Julian jumped in front of her.
"Yes, well, I was wondering if you would accompany me..."
"I'm attending with Mr. McKechnie and his daughter. Now if you will excuse me."
"Dr. Johnson, I get the feeling that our first meeting, when you first returned to our fine town, all grown up, has still left a bad taste in your mouth. Once again, I apologize."
Eve folded her arms.
"You had no business spying on me."
"Eve..."
"Dr. Johnson to you."
"Alright, Dr. Johnson, it was a hot day and we both had the same idea to go swimming."
"You should have found somewhere else to swim."
"And you should have worn a bathing costume." Julian answered in a sing song voice.
"The answer is no, Mr. Crane. I will not accompany you to the picnic. Now, if you will excuse me..."
"Actually, no, I will not excuse you! Dr. Johnson, it is clear that you find my presence distasteful, which frankly just turns me on all the more, but I also get the distinct impression that it is not for the reason I just stated previously, or my somewhat dubious reputation around this town. There is something else going on here and I really would like to know what it is, so we can clear the air."
Eve couldn't stand it any longer! She walked up to him.
"Did you really think that I would ever be interested in you, after what your father and you did to my mother?"
Julian backed up a little and blinked.
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me! So I don't want to hear anymore of your crude proposals. I have no proof, but I know in my heart that your father, and you, because you always do his bidding, did something to end my mother's life! Now, please do not come into my sight again!" Eve hissed, before walking off to her buggy.
Julian stared after her in shock. THIS was why she was so hostile? Eve thought he and his father had killed her mother?! Where would she get an idea like that? Where? Well he couldn't let her go on believing that, not if she was to become his wife! He would have to find out why she felt this way and convince her that it wasn't true.
Julian walked over to her as she was hitching up her team. Eve saw him out of the corner of her eye and steeled herself for another altercation. Why had she let herself get so angry like that? She had never wanted the Cranes to know that she even felt this way, until she had more proof!
Julian reached out and touched her chin, moving her face so that it was facing his.
"I did not kill your mother. I would never do anything like that. And if you want my help in figuring out just what happened to her indeed, I'm here." was all he said. He then let go of her and walked off. Eve stared after him, not quite sure why she suddenly felt confused and unsure of her position. Julian Crane had just looked her in the eye and denied knowing anything about her mother's murder.
He could be lying, of course. But for the first time ever since she had known him, she had seen sincerity in his eyes...Eve shook it off. She wasn't going to think about it now. She had to get to the picnic! Little did she know, that Julian had arranged this particular town picnic, and that it was going to be a 'bidding affair'. Meaning, the men got to bid on who they wanted to have a picnic with...
Duncan looked up, as Cruz Castillo slammed the door to their joint office.
"I thought you were going over to the saloon to get a pint before the picnic?" Duncan asked, setting aside his paperwork. He then took out his watch. He would need to fetch Bonnie soon so they could meet Eve at the picnic.
"Oh, I went to Ms. Kitty Cat's but I couldn't concentrate on my drink, because some hand that works for the Crane's, began shooting off his big mouth about us."
"Us? What do you mean?"
"I mean that there's a rumor around around town that we aren't paying our fair share of taxes around here. People are saying that we've paid nothing!"
"Well, come on there, Cruz, we both know that's not true."
"I know we know it, but if the townspeople begin to think that we're shady, well, people will begin to go elsewhere for their timber."
Duncan sighed.
"It doesn't matter. With everyone leaving to stake their Crane gold claims, we're losing business right and left."
Cruz shook his head.
"The Crane's are starting that rumor because we're onto them."
"Look, I don't trust Alistair or Julian as far as I can throw them either. That and Crane junior is always making cow eyes at Eve. But, they're taking a hell of a chance here. I mean Grace Bennett and her brother-in law, Hank, just left for their plot. And Sam is the Sheriff! If they come back...if the others come back and find that there is no gold like he said, Alistair...hell the whole lot of them, will be strung up in the town center! They know that."
"I have family out there, Duncan. They know of this land and if there was anything worthwhile out there, they'd have snitched some for themselves! I'm telling you, this tax malarky is just a plot by the Cranes to take attention off of their own shifty plans!"
The door opened and Pilar walked in, wearing a sky blue bonnet and matching dress. She was carrying a picnic basket. Behind her, Santana Andrade walked in as well. She smiled at Cruz.
Duncan stood up.
"Ladies...I'm off to the picnic."
"We'll see you there." Santana almost purred. Duncan smiled at her, then walked out of the office. Pilar walked up to her husband.
"I could not help but overhear, honey. Is everything alright?"
"Everything is fine, now that you're here." he said, kissing her hand. He then looked at Santana.
"Santana, I'm glad you could come with us."
"Oh, I wouldn't have missed the chance to spend time with my favorite cousin and her husband."
Cruz smiled and nodded.
"I have to lock up around here. When I get back, we'll leave."
Pilar smiled, then watched as her husband left the office.
That left her and Santana alone. Pilar looked at her.
"I want you to move into the boarding house...tonight."
"Uh...no." Santana answered, running a finger along a shelf. It was dusty.
Pilar watched the office door, then walked over to her cousin.
"I've had enough of you. I am sorry that things did not work out between Cruz and you, but that had nothing to do with me."
"Well let me think: oh yeah, that's right. That was Eden, Cruz's other wife. The dead one. You know, I fought my feelings for Cruz, because he was married to that woman. I confided in you about how hard it was to stay away from him and all that time, you were having relations with him, behind my back and Eden's, of course."
"Santana...we couldn't fight our feelings. Eden was dying of some sort of tumor...I'm sorry, that's all I can say to you. What would you have me do? Give up my husband?"
"Yes." Santana said, smirking.
"Well you can go to hell! And no, I'm not giving up Cruz. And I won't have you in my house for one more minute!"
"Oh, I'll stay, Pilar. And if you try and even move me to another room in the house that I should be living in with Cruz, then I'll just have to tell him the truth."
"Stop threatening me with that!"
"Well, you could always tell him the truth. You know, about Eden's confronting you about Cruz...how she knocked you out and held you captive in that mine shaft...and how you, in your very cowardly way, told poor, dying Eden, that Cruz was really having an affair with an older, Black woman..."
Pilar looked away, but Santana pounced.
"Dr. Johnson's mother did not hang herself. We both know that. You sicced Eden on her, to cover your own lies and now an innocent woman is dead! Cruz will never be able to look at you when he finds out. Dr. Johnson will kill you dead, I'm sure, and Cruz will be mine."
Cruz walked in again.
"Well, are we ready to head out to the picnic?"
Pilar wiped away the tear that she had shed, out of fright, and walked over to her husband, linking arms with him.
"Yes. Let's go."
Cruz looked at Santana.
"Santana, are you coming?"
"Always, Cruz." Santana answered, smiling at them both.
Meanwhile, back in his office, Alistair Crane collapsed at his desk. He couldn't move, but his eyes were open. He couldn't talk to call for help. Good God! This couldn't be happening! He had to be at his full wits to carry off the last part of his gold mining scam! He had to at least tell Julian what needed to be done...before anyone returned from out West to confront him about his lies...Rachel...Julian...what would the townspeople do to them...
Alistair then fell into unconsciousness.